Frontwave Credit Union is headquartered in Oceanside and is the 44th largest credit union in the state of California. It is also the 322nd largest credit union in the nation. It was established in 1952 and as of March of 2025, it had grown to 234 employees and 124,724 members at 13 locations. Frontwave Credit Union's money market rates are 4X the national average, and it has a B+ health rating.
Field of Membership Restrictions
Frontwave Credit Union is open to those who live, work, or worship in the California counties of Riverside, San Bernadino, or San Diego. Immediate family members of current Frontwave Credit Union members also qualify.
See current membership details
Easy To Work With
I opened a 6% 18 month Cd in the Escondido branch.
It was very easy and the representative was friendly and accomodating. As my other Cds mature I will buy new ones from Frontline. Very happy with the process
Excellent Service- Great People
I jumped on the 6% cd. I called a specific person that I had dealt with in the past and she reopened my account- no problem. By the end of the afternoon I had all funds transferred and cd opened in my trust. A piece of cake! All efficient people working. there and they remembered me.
RIP-OFF Extortion
The FrontWave CU fee rip off borders on extortion. The Class Action Lawsuit should force the credit union to return the loot to the marines they stole it from. The CEO and Board of Directors must resign for running a Mafia style racket that steals millions from the troops defending our country. Never Shocked. Just Disappointed. What a disgraceful scam.
Amazing Customer Service
I opened a cd account on line. amazing customer service. it was done in few days everything went smooth also best rates nation wide. thank you front wave
No Compassion Rude No Customer Service
My active duty son passed away. Christina in the dept that handles beneficiaries was so rude,,no customer service. Just a mean bitter woman. Wheres the vehicle. Jennifer is the beneficiary not you. Jennifer is the ex wife only on one account with .39 cents. The branch failed to take her off of. But yet my son made me beneficiary. Yeah but thats boot camp doesn't count. I cant give you info but wheres the vehicle. Wow this bank is unbelievable. I would not bank with them. No customer service, there computer systems are from the 80’s. Not family friendly. I would not invest a penny in this bank. I just wanted to settle my son’s affairs. I can’t believe how foul I was treated. Its ok the CEO is not very friendly either so its to be expected from his employees.
False Credit Reporting
Frontwave Credit Union reported me 30 days late IN ERROR and won’t fix it. They are costing me perfect credit because they don’t want to admit that their online banking system reports incorrect information. I’ve contacted their Call Center and Lending Department, written letters, everything and they refuse to take ownership. Hours of my time and they won’t fix their mistake. Don’t believe the false advertising. Worst part is I used to work here so I know how bad their systems are. This credit Union doesn’t know what they’re doing. Absolutely the worst.
Frontwave Is More Like A Ripple
I applied for their 18 month CD offered at 6%. Went through the hassle of lifting a credit freeze. Got an email with an application number and a promise to contact me again in 1 business day. More than TWO WEEKS later, no contact. Several calls made with promises of results, call backs. Again NADA. Do not waste your time with this bank. The faux friendliness of those answering phone calls does not represent the true nature of this bank. I have no idea what their game is, but you do NOT want to deal with them or trust them with your personal information.
Member Privacy Data Compromised
Frontwave used to have a published Privacy Policy which explicitly stated that they do not share member's privacy data with any third parties, period. Without notice, they started providing member privacy data (name, address, DOB, etc) to a third party life insurance company, which commenced sending solicitations by "Presort Standard" mail (also known as "Bulk" mail or "Junk" mail). These mailed solicitations included member privacy data including name, address, DOB, etc. This was a breach of their published Privacy Policy in effect. I brought this to the attention of their entire management staff including President/CEO, Supervisory Committee, and Board of Directors to no avail. They seem to be either woefully ignorant of privacy laws and requirements, locked in a state of denial, or callously disrespectful of Privacy expectations regarding their members.
Data as of Q1 2025
Learn why bank health mattersHealth Grade Components
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| NCUA # | 68494 |
| Year Chartered | 1952 |
| Employees | 234 |
| Primary Regulator | |
| Profit Margin | |
|---|---|
| Return on Assets - YTD | 0.35% |
| Return on Equity - YTD | 4.25% |
| Annual Interest Income | $14.6MM |
| Assets and Liabilities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Assets | Q1 2025vs Q1 2024 | $1.47B$1.54B |
| Loans | Q1 2025vs Q1 2024 | $950.6MM$929.9MM |
| Deposits | Q1 2025vs Q1 2024 | $1.16B$1.21B |
| Equity Capital | Q1 2025vs Q1 2024 | $118.2MM$97MM |
| Loan Loss Allowance | Q1 2025vs Q1 2024 | $8.4MM$8MM |
| Unbacked Noncurrent Loans | Q1 2025vs Q1 2024 | $3.5MM$3.5MM |
| Real Estate Owned | Q1 2025vs Q1 2024 | $0$0 |
